Sertraline help!

[Myzone]

Hi,

I’ve been on sertraline 50mg for 1 week exactly today, the last 2 days I have had a heart rate that races and feels like it’s fluttering. I was at the hospital yesterday they done ecg and blood test and X-ray and said everything was okay. Today it has been racing on/off non stop with the same fluttering feeling. Im also feeling quite lightheaded and short of breath. The thing is I’m sure this is probably side effects but I can’t stop panicking that it’s not. I think I’m just looking for reassurance that I’m not the only one feeling like this.

What you are going through is super common with sertraline. For reasons no one was ever able to explain to me, it makes you feel worse before you get better! Those sound like classic anxiety/panic symptoms which sertraline does seem to heighten in the first 2 weeks or so before settling down.

Great that you have been checked out though, but in my experience - normal! :) 

This sounds like anxiety which is likely why you are taking seetraline in the first place. Like PP says, it can get worse before it gets better.
The doctors have checked you and there is nothing worrying them, so try not to worry about it. Expect to feel a bit ropey for a little while and keep your follow up appointment with your GP.
Sertraline really agrees with me but some people need a bit of tweaking to find the right prescription for them.

It sounds like it could be paroxysmal atrial fibrillation so keep an eye on it. Often the episode can finish by the time you're hooked up to an ECG machine so it'll be put down to anxiety or low blood sugar or something. I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and I'm on sertraline. Sertraline has changed my life in such a good way so I can only recommend sticking with it but keep the Dr in the loop about your heart rate & heart flutters because what you describe is exactly how PAF feels.

Thanks for the replies I honestly really appreciate them. The fast heart rate and fluttering has only just started the last few days so it definitely makes sense it’s the sertraline and my anxiety. I don’t mind the other side effect just don’t like the heart stuff, I’ve always had health anxiety especially when it comes to my heart.